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That is why they call this place Sela Hammahlekoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/23.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Saul quit chasing David and returned to fight the Philistines. Ever since that time, the place where David was camped has been called the Rock of Escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/23.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So Saul returned from pursuing after David and went against the Philistines. Therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/23.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/23.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore Saul returned from pursuing David, and went against the Philistines; so they called that place the Rock of Escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/23.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to confront the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Division.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/23.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So Saul returned from pursuing David, and went to meet the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/23.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So Saul returned from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines; therefore they called that place the Rock of Escape.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/23.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to engage the Philistines. Therefore, that place was named the Rock of Separation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to engage the Philistines. Therefore, that place was named the Rock of Separation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/23.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/23.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Saul stopped going after David and went back to fight the Philistines. That's why the place is called "Escape Rock." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/23.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/23.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Saul gave up pursuing David and went to fight the Philistines. So that place was called Slippery Rock. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/23.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So Saul stopped pursuing David and went to fight the Philistines. That is why that place is called Separation Hill. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/23.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So Saul turned around from pursuing David and went to meet the Philistines. Therefore, they call that place the Rock of Escape. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/23.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Saul broke off his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/23.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Saul stopped pursuing David and went to confront the Philistines. Therefore that place is called Sela Hammahlekoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/23.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines. Therefore they called that place Rock of Divisions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/23.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammah-lekoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/23.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So Saul returned from pursuing David, and went against the Philistines. Therefore they called that place Sela Hammahlekoth. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/23.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Saul turns back from pursuing after David, and goes to meet the Philistines, therefore they have called that place “The Rock of Divisions.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/23.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Saul turneth back from pursuing after David, and goeth to meet the Philistines, therefore they have called that place 'The Rock of Divisions.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/23.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Saul will turn back from pursuing after David, and he will go to meet the rovers: for this they called that place the Rock of Escapes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/23.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore Saul returned, leaving the pursuit of David, and went to meet the Philistines. For this cause they called that place, the Rock of division. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/23.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, Saul turned back, ceasing in the pursuit of David, and he traveled to meet the Philistines. For this reason, they called that place, the Rock of Division.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/23.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Saul interrupted his pursuit of David and went to meet the Philistines. This is how that place came to be called the Rock of Divisions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/23.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So Saul stopped pursuing David, and went against the Philistines; therefore that place was called the Rock of Escape.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/23.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing David, and went against the Philistines; therefore they called that land the Division of Sinar.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/23.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Shaul returned from after David, and he went on to meet the Philistines, because of this, they called that land Senar Palgutha <div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/23.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines; therefore they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/23.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So Saul returned from following after David, and went to meet the Philistines: therefore that place was called The divided Rock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/23-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=7022" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/23.htm">Saul Pursues David</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">27</span>Then a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Come quickly, for the Philistines have raided the land!” <span class="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7586.htm" title="7586: šā·’ūl (N-proper-ms) -- Passive participle of sha'al; asked; Shaul, the name of an Edomite and two Israelites.">So Saul</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: way·yā·šāḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">broke off</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: mir·ḏōp̄ (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">his pursuit</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: ḏā·wiḏ (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">of David</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·leḵ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and went</a> <a href="/hebrew/7122.htm" title="7122: liq·raṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To encounter, befall. A primitive root: to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner.">to meet</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: pə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">the Philistines.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">That is why</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/4725.htm" title="4725: lam·mā·qō·wm (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- Or maqom; also mqowmah; or mqomah; from quwm; properly, a standing, i.e. A spot; but used widely of a locality; also of a condition.">place</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: qā·rə·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">is called</a> <a href="/hebrew/5555.htm" title="5555: se·la‘From cela' and the plural of machaloqeth with the article interposed; rock of the divisions; Sela- ham-Machlekoth, a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5555.htm" title="5555: ham·maḥ·lə·qō·wṯ (N-proper-fs) -- From cela' and the plural of machaloqeth with the article interposed; rock of the divisions; Sela- ham-Machlekoth, a place in Palestine.">Sela-hammahlekoth.</a> </span><span class="reftext">29</span>And David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En-gedi.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-17.htm">Psalm 18:17</a></span><br />He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/54-3.htm">Psalm 54:3-7</a></span><br />For strangers rise up against me, and ruthless men seek my life—men with no regard for God. Selah / Surely God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul. / He will reward my enemies with evil. In Your faithfulness, destroy them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/124-7.htm">Psalm 124:7</a></span><br />We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler; the net is torn, and we have slipped away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/22-1.htm">2 Samuel 22:1</a></span><br />And David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-17.htm">2 Samuel 5:17-25</a></span><br />When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they all went in search of him; but David learned of this and went down to the stronghold. / Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of the LORD, “Should I go up against the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” “Go up,” replied the LORD, “for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hand.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-8.htm">2 Kings 6:8-12</a></span><br />Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” / Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” / So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/19-9.htm">2 Kings 19:9</a></span><br />Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “Look, he has set out to fight against you.” So Sennacherib again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/31-8.htm">Psalm 31:8</a></span><br />You have not delivered me to the enemy; You have set my feet in the open.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/59-1.htm">Psalm 59:1-4</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” A Miktam of David, when Saul sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise against me. / Deliver me from workers of iniquity, and save me from men of bloodshed. / See how they lie in wait for me. Fierce men conspire against me for no transgression or sin of my own, O LORD. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/142-6.htm">Psalm 142:6</a></span><br />Listen to my cry, for I am brought quite low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/143-9.htm">Psalm 143:9</a></span><br />Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD; I flee to You for refuge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/2-13.htm">Matthew 2:13</a></span><br />When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-12.htm">Matthew 4:12</a></span><br />When Jesus heard that John had been imprisoned, He withdrew to Galilee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-23.htm">Matthew 10:23</a></span><br />When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next. Truly I tell you, you will not reach all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/4-29.htm">Luke 4:29-30</a></span><br />They got up, drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw Him over the cliff. / But Jesus passed through the crowd and went on His way.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Why Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Selahammahlekoth.</p><p class="hdg">Sela-hammahlekoth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_samuel/23-26.htm">David</a> <a href="/judges/5-16.htm">Divisions</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-18.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/1_samuel/21-1.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-27.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-46.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">Rock</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-27.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/judges/1-36.htm">Sela</a> <a href="/1_samuel/18-13.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-35.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm">David</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">Divisions</a> <a href="/1_samuel/27-1.htm">Escape</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-20.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-10.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-3.htm">Rock</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-1.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-7.htm">Sela</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-7.htm">Turneth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-12.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/1_samuel/24-9.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 23</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/23-1.htm">David, enquiring of the Lord by Abiathar, rescues Keilah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/23-7.htm">God showing him the coming of Saul, and the treachery of the Keilites, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/23-13.htm">he escapes from Keilah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/23-14.htm">In Ziph Jonathan comes and comforts him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/23-19.htm">The Ziphites discover him to Saul</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/23-25.htm">At Maon he is rescued from Saul by the invasion of the Philistines</a></span><br><span class="reftext">29. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm">He dwells at En Gedi</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/23.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/23.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So Saul broke off his pursuit of David</b><br>This phrase indicates a pivotal moment in the narrative where Saul, who has been relentlessly pursuing David, is forced to abandon his chase. Saul's pursuit of David is a significant theme in 1 Samuel, highlighting the tension between the anointed king and the one chosen by God to succeed him. This pursuit reflects Saul's jealousy and fear of losing his throne, as seen in earlier chapters. Theologically, this moment can be seen as God's providential protection over David, who is destined to become king. It also illustrates the futility of opposing God's will, as Saul's efforts are continually thwarted.<p><b>and went to meet the Philistines.</b><br>The Philistines were a constant threat to Israel during this period, often engaging in battles with the Israelites. Saul's decision to confront the Philistines instead of continuing his pursuit of David underscores the immediate threat they posed. Historically, the Philistines were a powerful seafaring people, and their presence in the region was a significant challenge for Israel. This diversion can be seen as God's intervention, using external circumstances to protect David. It also highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Philistines, which is a recurring theme throughout the books of Samuel.<p><b>That is why that place is called Sela-hammahlekoth.</b><br>Sela-hammahlekoth translates to "Rock of Escape" or "Rock of Divisions," signifying the location where David was delivered from Saul's grasp. Geographically, this place is believed to be in the wilderness of Maon, a rugged area providing natural fortifications. The naming of locations based on significant events is a common biblical practice, serving as a memorial to God's deliverance and intervention. This place name serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in protecting David, who is a type of Christ in his role as the anointed king and shepherd of Israel. Theologically, it reminds believers of God's sovereignty and ability to provide refuge in times of trouble.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul</a></b><br>The first king of Israel, who was pursuing David out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The anointed future king of Israel, who was fleeing from Saul's attempts to kill him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/philistines.htm">Philistines</a></b><br>A perennial enemy of Israel, whose threat diverted Saul's attention from pursuing David.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/r/rock_of_escape.htm">Rock of Escape</a></b><br>The location where David found refuge from Saul's pursuit, symbolizing God's deliverance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_deliverance.htm">God's Sovereignty in Deliverance</a></b><br>Just as God intervened to protect David by redirecting Saul, He is sovereign over our circumstances and can provide unexpected deliverance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a></b><br>David's experience teaches us to trust in God's timing and provision, even when pursued by adversities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/n/naming_and_remembering_god's_faithfulness.htm">Naming and Remembering God's Faithfulness</a></b><br>The naming of the Rock of Escape serves as a reminder to commemorate and remember God's faithfulness in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_distractions.htm">Divine Distractions</a></b><br>Sometimes God uses external circumstances, like the Philistine threat, to divert our enemies and protect us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_refuge.htm">Spiritual Refuge</a></b><br>Just as David found physical refuge, we are called to seek spiritual refuge in God, our Rock and Fortress.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_23.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 23</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_proof_david_wrote_psalm_54.htm">If this psalm is attributed to David (Psalm 54 title), is there verifiable historical proof of him composing it during his conflict with the Ziphites?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_saul's_departure_historical_or_narrative.htm">Does Saul’s abrupt departure to confront the Philistines (1 Samuel 23:27–28) accurately reflect known Philistine incursions, or is it merely a narrative device? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_david_seek_refuge_with_enemies.htm">How could David justify seeking refuge among Israel's enemies in 1 Samuel 27:1?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_david_use_the_ephod_for_guidance.htm">How did David consult the ephod for instant divine guidance in 1 Samuel 23:9-12 when similar direct communication is uncommon elsewhere in the Old Testament?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/23.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) <span class= "bld">Sela-hammahlekoth.</span>--Literally, as in the margin of our Bibles, <span class= "ital">the rock </span>(or, still better, <span class= "ital">the cliff</span>)<span class= "ital"> of divisions. </span>Other scholars, with greater reason, prefer the derivation from a Hebrew word signifying <span class= "ital">to be smooth--</span>the cliff of smoothness: that is, of slipping away or escaping. Ewald rather fancifully interprets the term as the "Cliff of Destiny or of Fate."<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/23-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So Saul</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁא֗וּל</span> <span class="translit">(šā·’ūl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7586.htm">Strong's 7586: </a> </span><span class="str2">Saul -- first king of Israel, also an Edomite and two Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">broke off</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֣שָׁב</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·šāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his pursuit</span><br /><span class="heb">מִרְדֹף֙</span> <span class="translit">(mir·ḏōp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pursue, chase, persecute</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of David</span><br /><span class="heb">דָוִ֔ד</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and went</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to meet</span><br /><span class="heb">לִקְרַ֣את</span> <span class="translit">(liq·raṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7122.htm">Strong's 7122: </a> </span><span class="str2">To encounter, befall</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Philistines.</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּלִשְׁתִּ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(pə·liš·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> </span><span class="str2">Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia</span><br /><br /><span class="word">That is why</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">הַה֔וּא</span> <span class="translit">(ha·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">place</span><br /><span class="heb">לַמָּק֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(lam·mā·qō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> </span><span class="str2">A standing, a spot, a condition</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is called</span><br /><span class="heb">קָֽרְאוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(qā·rə·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Rock of Escape.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽמַּחְלְקֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(ham·maḥ·lə·qō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5555.htm">Strong's 5555: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sela-ham-Machlekoth</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/23-28.htm">1 Samuel 23:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/23-28.htm">1 Samuel 23:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/23-28.htm">1 Samuel 23:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/23-28.htm">1 Samuel 23:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/23-28.htm">1 Samuel 23:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/23-28.htm">1 Samuel 23:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/23-28.htm">1 Samuel 23:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/23-28.htm">1 Samuel 23:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/23-28.htm">1 Samuel 23:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/23-28.htm">1 Samuel 23:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/23-28.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 23:28 So Saul returned from pursuing after David (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/23-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 23:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 23:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/23-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 23:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 23:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>